Casualties unknown

1989-12-29: Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-CD (N3871H) — Orr, Roy A. — Lizton, IN

Lizton, IN, US

On December 29, 1989, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-CD (registration N3871H) operated by Orr, Roy A. was involved in an aviation accident near Lizton, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS OF THE PILOT, TERRAIN CONDITION AND FENCE ON OR NEAR THE AIRSTRIP, THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an attempted takeoff on a snow-covered 1,550-foot grass strip, a pilot applied full power but failed to obtain flying speed, contacting a fence and a ditch. The pilot admitted error, citing concern over aircraft damage at ex-wife's property.

Incident Overview

A commercially certificated pilot attempted to take off from a snow-covered grass strip. The pilot reported that during the attempted departure, he applied full power, but the airplane traveled across three areas of snow and failed to reach flying speed. The aircraft subsequently contacted a fence and a ditch. The runway in use was a 1,550-foot long snow-covered grass strip.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated, "I knew better, and I should have waited for better runway conditions. I just screwed up." He explained that he was attempting to remove his aircraft from his ex-wife's property because he was concerned with damage to the aircraft by other parties.

Pilot Experience

The pilot held a commercial certificate and reported a total flight time of 1,600 hours, of which 1,500 hours were in single-engine aircraft. He had logged three hours of flight time in the accident make and model of aircraft, all within the preceding 90 days.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29941. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.